Living and Working in a Brick Factory

Living and Working in a Brick Factory

“I want to be a teacher,” Srey Neang says. But the likelihood is slim, since the 13-year old spends more time working at a brick factory than in school.

Srey starts her day caring for her siblings. After chores she heads off to school, and after school goes straight home to make dinner. And then her workday begins.

Srey loads the heavy bricks onto trucks for delivery. Hours later she finally heads home, to do her homework.

Srey is just one of 85 million children involved in the worst forms of child labour. In the factory, her small body works beyond its capacity, surrounded by ash and smoke. She’s often sick. But without her job, Srey’s family would have nothing.

One of the best ways Canadians can help keep children like Srey in school and away from exploitation is through child sponsorship.